Good Morning, Vietnam!

Yes, yes I did have to call my Dad to double check about the title. And he was kind enough to enlighten me with the story! What would I do without him! Well, I guess I wouldn’t have the cool titles I do!

I slept alright last night. The room is nice..2 beds, 2 chairs, a nightstand, a closet type thing, a mini refrigerator, a TV, western toilet, sink and shower! The room also has AC which is KEY! The beds are VERY hard (I woke up during the night in PAIN) and they have no sheets! Luckily I brought a small blanket with me, but I will have to figure out something else because I hate not being able to snuggle up with lots of covers!

I got myself out of bed around 10am and took a shower! Oh it felt so good! I almost couldn’t sleep last night because I felt so gross but it was nice to take a shower and not be FREEZING, but also have the water burning my skin (Pandas..can’t say I miss you yet!)

My plan was to explore! I always feel much better when I know the area and what’s around! I went downstairs to pass in my key (I don’t really like doing that..but I guess it is nice because you can’t lose it!) and get my sneakers (you have to leave them down there too!) My first stop was the ATM! After that, Ho Chi Minh City baby!
IT IS CRAZY HERE! A lot more than I expected! I think I liked Beijing so much because it had a nice Western feel to it..and this place..well it is CRAZY! I probably tripped 17 times today and almost got run over 11 times, but since I am here typing I guess it was an ok day!

I spent time walking (it felt so good in capri’s and a t-shirt!) The cyclo men are ALWAYS hounding you for a ride..and I did give a few the benefit of the doubt that they just wanted to know “where I was from” but after that I either ignored them or just said no. I ended up finding my way to the Coop supermarket (the only supermarket I would shop at in Italy!) and was SO glad I did! It really has EVERYTHING I could ever want. I found myself contemplating if I needed a whisk just because I was so happy I COULD buy one! I did get myself sheets (so I thought..I guess it is just a bottom sheet..but hey you gotta start somewhere!) and some groceries. It is a bit of a walk from the hostel (especially when you have heavy bags..) so I don’t think I will frequently shop there, but it was a nice “comfortable” place to start.

Converting money is the WORST here! 1USD=anywhere from 16,000VND to 18,000VND (I see different things) so when you see something that costs 498,000 it is SO confusing! Hopefully the conversion will just become second nature!
I came back to unload and have a rest and then needed to tackle laundry! In my walking I had seen a place, but figured since I had to pass in my key to the hostel anyway I would ask. The woman said she would do it (which was great) but I think I might end up trying a different place in the future. I think she is a bit more expensive and she said it would be ready tomorrow (whereas I think the other place was same day!) I have SO much laundry to do, so will probably know every place in town!

The hostel is a bit different (well EVERY hostel here is) because the main floor is a travel place and then behind that I think is where the managers live, because I can see them laying on beds. I will try and take a picture but it is very strange. EVERY OTHER storefront in this area is a travel place with a hostel above it!
So anyway after giving her my laundry I decided I needed to eat and I wanted to bring my laptop to get wifi! It seems like every other hostel in the area advertises free wifi but when I tried to log on all I found were security-enabled networks! I was kinda of bummed because I find it so comforting to have wireless in the room. I bought a new computer that was lighter (easier to carry) but in turn has less battery power. I found (are your ready for this!) a pizza place for lunch! It was DELICIOUS and had wifi so I was able to check my emails!
However, my computer was dying so I figured it was time to leave and come back to the hostel. As I was asking for my key I could see the desk man talking to another man about me! Finally, the other guy said, “Are you Julie?” and it was Ken! I think the desk man was telling him who I was and that we would be volunteering together? Anyway it was great to meet him and he was VERY nice. He is from Alaska but was born in Vietnam during the war. I think he said he comes back every year to give back, which I think is great. I am happy that we will both be going to the orphanage tomorrow.

I started to unpack a bit, but it actually takes a VERY long time to get organized! Unlike Beijing, I actually have a lot of space to put my things and unlike the Panda base; I am not too cold to get out of bed to unpack!

I finally dragged myself out to get something to eat! There are a lot of places to choose from which I definitely like. But, (are you ready!) I ended up at an Italian place. I did switch it up and get pasta! I will be more adventurous, but I was tired from the day and just ready to eat something I knew I would like.

I came back to the hostel to finish unpacking and rest but the manager kept saying something to me when I asked for my key. I finally realized she wanted my passport, so in between unpacking and organizing I was able to give her my information. My plan for the rest of the evening is to finish unpacking!

Hugs and kisses from Saigon!